Supporting Local Arts and Culture Organizations in Ward 10 - by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, seconded by Councillor Alejandra Bravo

Organizations like Cinecycle have been working to identify ways to ensure their laneway and venue are accessible for patrons with accessibility and mobility needs. IATSE Local 58 has been continually searching for training space in our downtown to train the next generation of arts workers in the live performance sector. We know there are more organizations in Ward 10 and across the City in dire need of affordable and accessible arts space. These motions are aimed at ensuring local arts organizations in Ward 10 continue to be well-supported with the space they need to do their work, that their spaces are accessible, and that we leverage all possible opportunities. They also aim at addressing and investigating new sectors that are not currently receiving support to better understand the viability of City supports. The reason for urgency is that there are a number of arts and culture organizations experiencing displacement and in need of affordable and accessible arts space.

2. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to provide a plan for the long-term activation of the City-owned arts space Sandbox building (formerly Artscape) upon the departure of their upcoming short-term tenant, with focus wherever possible on the prioritization of arts-serving organizations currently based in or recently displaced from Ward 10 and other options to address creative space needs in the City. 3. City Council request the Board of Directors of the Toronto Arts Council to assess the feasibility of developing programs to support independent fashion designers, in collaboration with fashion design schools, local artists, and neighbourhood groups, as well as analyzing the sector's need from a commercial standpoint through the Economic Development and Culture Division's economic development efforts.